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England to Face Sri Lanka in 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup Opener
Tournament to Begin on June 12 at Edgbaston
The 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will kick off with a thrilling opening clash between hosts England and Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has officially released the full schedule for the tournament, which spans from June 12 to July 5 and features 33 matches across six prestigious venues in England.
The final of the tournament will take place at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, setting the stage for an exciting month of international women’s cricket.
Tournament Format and Groups
The tournament will feature 12 teams divided into two groups of six. Each team will play five matches in the group stage, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semifinals.
Group Composition
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Group 1: Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Qualifier 1, Qualifier 2
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Group 2: England, West Indies, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Qualifier 3, Qualifier 4
One of the most highly anticipated matches, India vs Pakistan, is scheduled for June 14 at Edgbaston and is expected to attract widespread global attention.
Venues and Match Timings
Matches will be played at the following venues:
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Edgbaston
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Lord’s
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The Oval
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Old Trafford
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Bristol County Ground
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Hampshire Bowl
Official Match Timings (BST)
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Morning session: 10:30 AM
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Afternoon session: 2:30 PM
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Evening session: 6:30 PM
The semifinals are scheduled for June 30 and July 2 at The Oval, while the final will be held at Lord’s on July 5.
Explore the historical significance of Lord’s in women’s cricket
Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt Shares Her Views
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt spoke passionately about the opportunity to play a World Cup at home:
“World Cups are always special, but this one already feels different — it has the potential to be truly game-changing. Playing on home soil, for the biggest prize, against the best players in the world — it’s going to be unmissable.”
Her comments reflect the excitement surrounding this landmark event for women’s cricket in England.
Tournament Director’s Vision for Change
Beth Barrett-Wild, Tournament Director, emphasized the broader impact of the event:
“The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup provides us with an unparalleled opportunity to transform a month of sporting excellence into a movement. At iconic venues across the country, we’ll witness elite performances that will contribute to lasting change in how women’s cricket is perceived.”
The 2026 edition aims not only to deliver high-quality cricket but also to elevate the profile of women’s sport globally.
Selected Key Fixtures
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (BST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 12 | England vs Sri Lanka | Edgbaston | 6:30 PM |
| June 14 | India vs Pakistan | Edgbaston | 2:30 PM |
| June 24 | England vs West Indies | Lord’s | 6:30 PM |
| June 28 | Australia vs India | Lord’s | 2:30 PM |
| June 30 | Semi Final 1 | The Oval | 2:30 PM |
| July 2 | Semi Final 2 | The Oval | 6:30 PM |
| July 5 | Final | Lord’s | 2:30 PM |
For the full tournament schedule and official updates, visit the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup page.
The 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is poised to be a defining moment for international women’s cricket. With top-tier teams, historic rivalries, and iconic venues, the tournament is set to deliver excitement, skill, and global attention to the sport. England hosting the World Cup on home soil not only brings a competitive advantage but also serves as a platform to grow the game and inspire the next generation of cricketers.
Read more updates and coverage on women’s cricket and international tournaments
